Firozpur: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gurpreet Singh Gopi was shot dead by armed assailants in Punjab’s Firozpur district on Saturday, in a targeted attack that has triggered a police hunt for the killers.
The incident occurred in the town of Mamdot, where Gopi was travelling on a motorcycle with Harpreet. According to police, armed men travelling in a car followed the two and opened fire. Gopi sustained critical bullet injuries and was rushed to the hospital, but could not be saved. Harpreet was also injured in the attack.
The assailants reportedly fired at another car carrying some of Gopi’s friends who had been following them, raising concerns over the scale and apparent targeting of the attack.
Police have intensified security in the area and launched multiple teams to track down those responsible. Firozpur Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said investigators had identified the attackers and indicated that the main accused has a criminal background.
Preliminary findings point towards an old dispute between two groups and election-related rivalry as possible motives behind the killing. Police are examining evidence collected from the crime scene, witness statements and details of the vehicle used by the attackers.
Searches and raids are underway at several locations as police teams work to apprehend the accused. Authorities have said further investigation will establish the precise circumstances and motive behind the assassination.
The brazen shooting has heightened concern in the area, with police maintaining increased security following the killing of the ruling party leader.